When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The village where a popular parish vicar was brutally murdered 33 years ago will “never forget” the killing, which has been brought back into the spotlight by the escape of his murderer from a hospital in Llanfairfechan.

Richard Dennick, who was 15 at the time and staying with an aunt in Llanberis, went to the village’s vicarage to rob Canon Alun Jones for money to run away to London.

According to Canon Idris Thomas, who was a close friend of Canon Jones’, news of Dennick’s absconding brought back painful memories for many in the close-knit community of Llanberis, where Canon Jones served for almost 30 years.

Canon Idris Thomas (Image: Arwyn Roberts)

He said: “The news of Richard Dennick’s abscondment brought back a lot of pain, and reminded many of us of the sad, brutal event of Canon Alun Jones’ killing so many years ago.

“The fact that his escape took place so close to the area was also concerning of course, but to have such a brutal event take place in a quiet and close-knit community means that it still lingers on in the memory.”

“Church liturgy and the Anglican tradition were foremost to him and he was an efficient parish priest with an emphasis on going out and visiting people.

“He took part in my wedding and was an influential mentor to me down the years.

“His parishioners in Llanberis, whom he served for 27 years, and the Arfon Deanery, where he was Rural Dean for nine years before his death, will never forget him or what happened to him 33 years ago.”